This summer will see Manchester United have a very busy summer transfer window with numerous positions to address.
When the January transfer window slammed shut, Manchester United remained notably short in a number of areas.
Ruben Amorim wasn’t given the striker he wanted, which now sees United stuck with Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund upfront for the remainder of this season.
Elsewhere, United are also short to a degree in central defence with Lisandro Martinez facing six to 10 months on the sidelines depending on the severity of his cruciate ligament tear.
Due to this, it is likely United will sign a new centre-back in the summer with both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof also expected to depart once their contracts end in four months.
Now, it has been reported one defender has emerged as a target.
Castello Lukeba of Leipzig in action during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Red Bull Arena on February 09, 2025 in...
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Manchester United identify Castello Lukeba as an option
In order to strengthen centre-back Manchester United will need to sign a talent ready to make a difference.
With Ayden Heaven, Godwill Kukonki and Leny Yoro the future is already locked down, but signing a player in his mid-20s to reinforce Amorim’s squad right now is a move which could really help United.
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Goncalo Inacio is one interesting option, with Amorim sure to be keen on his addition considering the pair know each other well from Sporting Lisbon.
However, according to BILD, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba has emerged as a target for United.
Ineos have expressed an interest in signing the French defender – however, with Lukeba’s agents preparing for a big summer transfer, the asking price would surely put United off.
Lukeba has a £75m release clause which Leipzig will likely demand be paid considering the £77m they demanded off City for Josko Gvardiol.
‘Real talent’ Lukeba compared with Gvardiol
Lukeba is a left-footed central defender and the official Bundesliga website has compared him with Gvardiol – who Leipzig also sold for a huge fee.
The 22-year-old broke through with Lyon, where former manager Peter Bosz handed Lukeba his debut, and praised the defender afterwards.
“He’s a real talent with real potential.”
Additionally, Max Eberl who is the former Leipzig managing director also praised Lukeba’s ability.
“He is left footed and can play as a left-sided centre-back in both a back-three and a back-four. Castello’s main strengths are his tough-tackling nature, his pace, his positioning and how good he is on the ball.”
In a final bit of praise – Leipzig boss Marco Rose raved about Lukeba: “Castello Lukeba – what a player, what a boy!”
As good as the idea of signing Lukeba is – his value probably rules United out.